Kenya: Ruto nominates Kithure Kindiki as Deputy following Gachagua’s impeachment

Kenyan President William Ruto has nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy, just a day after the Senate voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua, who was hospitalized and unable to defend himself during the proceedings, faced 11 charges and was ousted on five counts, including undermining the judiciary and gross misconduct.

Despite Gachagua’s lawyer, Paul Muite, requesting a delay in the vote due to his client’s illness, the Senate proceeded with the impeachment, resulting in 281 MPs voting in favor, 44 against, and one abstention.

Moses Wetang’ula, Speaker of Parliament, confirmed on Friday that President Ruto had formally nominated Kindiki, a close ally who has been serving as interior minister during Ruto’s presidency. Kindiki, who previously represented Tharaka Nithi County in the Senate, was also a strong contender for Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 election.

Parliament will now vote on Kindiki’s nomination before he can be sworn in as deputy president. Meanwhile, Gachagua has maintained that his impeachment was politically motivated and has vowed to challenge the charges.